Italian Lentil and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups tomato juice
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon marjoram
• 1 cup lentils, rinsed and picked over
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small potato, peeled and cubed
• 1/3 cup quick-cooking barley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Heat olive oil in a large pot.

2. 2

   Saute carrots, celery, onion, and garlic for 5 minutes or until they begin to soften.

3. 3

   Add broth, water, tomato juice, wine, thyme, marjoram, and lentils.

4. 4

   Bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes.

5. 5

   Add tomatoes and potato and simmer 10 minutes.

6. 6

   Add barley and simmer 10 minutes.

7. 7

   Add lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and serve. I usually top with Parmesan cheese.